Xpro defender RIBS

[congerman]

Hi all
Anyone come across the XPro defender RIBs made by Seaswift boats in Newton Abbott area?
I would like some feedback on build quality and perfromance from someone who uses one, rather than someone selling one.
Cheers

[tonto]

Originally Posted by congerman

Hi all
Anyone come across the XPro defender RIBs made by Seaswift boats in Newton Abbott area?
I would like some feedback on build quality and perfromance from someone who uses one, rather than someone selling one.
Cheers

Hmmm well the name sounds good

[vyper 2]

Hi there
Bought a xpro defender 420 sib for going to the pub in, bought it from Dave through eBay I bought the used demo one which he used at show but when I collected it was brand new in a box & had to unpack it to get her in the disco 3

What can i say but I love it it's build quality and additional extras you get with it are fantastic
I currently have a 6.4 Ribcraft & a 6.8 Ribcraft which are coded and a Humber 5.3 so have
Been around the block with ribs

For now I'm just running in a new mercury 3.5hp four stroke & I'm getting 6-7 knots the boat is very stable and you feel very confident in it when moving around the boat
Planning on fitting a 15hp mariner fourstroke to her when it arrives into dealership so should be great

I did collect mine from Dave and all I can say is I was impressed with the build quality of the 5 & 6 metre ribs he has

I noticed you are in saltash I am too so if you would like to have a look/ sea trial my 420 just pm me it will be good to hook up with a fellow rib netter

John

[willk]

Originally Posted by congerman

Anyone come across the XPro defender RIBs made by Seaswift boats in Newton Abbott area?

Reading the website, I get the impression that they don't actually make any boats, but rather import them. This wouldn't put me off them in itself, but be aware that the manufacturers of the RIBs may be different to that of the SIBs etc.

[congerman]

Tx all
Local boaty just told me they are made in China and shipped over

[Aries]

Like everything else - so that doesn't mean they are any less good depending on the local quality control. Have heard some horror stories about air voids in Chinese made hulls though...

The French made tubes on my Zodiac were sh*te though...(unless they were also made in China)

[Redrock]

As you can see from my piccies, I have an X-pro RIB. I have owned several hard boats, RIB's and SIB's in recent years, and feel qualified to give an honest appraisal.
As mentioned, the boat is made in China, but commissioned by Sea Swift in the UK, including layout configuration and fit-out. It is early days, but I am satisfied with the build quality of boat, and the X-pro appears to be well put together - the latest composite construction is used to ensure the robustness of its structural design.
My particular model, a 5.2m with engine well, self draining decks and under-floor rigging, has plenty of deck space for fishing trips, but other X-pro models offer deeper freeboard and bigger tubes to handle persuits that might see rougher conditions. Please feel free to ask any specific questions.
The biggest attraction of this brand is the genuine commitment by the team at Seaswift/X-Pro to provide a boat that suits your specification and budget. I cannot praise Steve and Dave enough, and their determination to get things right is very refreshing in today's distributor-based market. Their commitment also shows a genuine belief in the brand, and in its market position. In other words, the boats might be constructed in China, but full ownership of the brand is handled in Devon. So, my recommendation is to give Seaswift a call, arrange a visit to Kingsteignton, and judge for yourself. It won't be a wasted trip - unlike many distributors that sell from a catalogue, there will always be a couple of hulls to look at. The range covers everything from light alu-hulled tenders to roll-up air-floors to 6.6m offshore RIB's.
In terms of handling and performance, my 5.2m RIB planes easily at 3,000rpm, and feels stable in slight to moderate conditions 5 miles off shore in Lyme Bay.
Fittings are strong and well thought out, but a little more attention to detail could improve cosmetics. Again, Seaswift are happy to take suggestions on board to improve this. My closing comment would be that words to describe X-pro RIB's are practical, functional and fantastic value for money. Don't expect luxury fit-outs with porta-loos and striped cushions for this price, although I am sure Seaswift could source them if that is what rocks your boat!

[Stu]

I agree, I have an xpro defender 4.2 aluminium hull with a 50hp mercury outboard and only last weekend on the 4th and 5th of August 2018 had a successful trip from Brixham to Cherbourg and back again.

6.5 hrs to get there.......5.5 hrs to get home.

RAW to say the least but boy old boy did we enjoy ourselves.

If it floats it's a boat and if you can't handle it don't go out.......You'll give up before the boat does.!

[gpsguru]

Originally Posted by congerman

Tx all
Local boaty just told me they are made in China and shipped over

They used to be Highfield dealers .......... but I think they only sold them for about 12 months ..........

I heard they sold the moulds for their Seaswift boat range and were importing Piscadores ...........

I remember when they started at Kingsteignton Ind Units, then they moved to Cannon Rd (Heathfield Ind Est), and now they have moved to Ruby Farm units.

[RickW]

Oceanfirst Marine are importers of this range now - I had a go on their alu hulled 430 safety club rib (the red one) this is marketing as a 3D Tender boat; the 420 is marketed as XPro. Please bear in mind I am a bit of a novice when it come to ribs (have fallen out of a few diving) but it was a fun little thing. They are based in SE Cornwall

[RickW]

Oh and was told they all come from the same factory as Highfield

[treerat]

I have the Defender 55, which is out of the same stable. Still looking good and holding together well.

Built by Dave at Sea Swift using the imported hull and XS / Highfield supplied internal fittings.

For the price they seem great boats, will they last if used every day in a school / commercial set up? Maybe not but for my 20 or so days out a year it's great.

As to Sea Swift boats I'm not sure what's going on, the web site is down and there is nothing on social media. Must try and give Dave a call as the warranty is with him.

[RickW]

OceanFirst Marine are the current importers - quick google will find them (SE Cornwall based)

[Bigplumbs]

Just looked at the website they look like very nice Ribs and excellent Value for money

[treerat]

Originally Posted by Bigplumbs

Just looked at the website they look like very nice Ribs and excellent Value for money

This is the hull manufacturer http://deltabayboats.com/list1.asp?ProdId=0015